Ship-bell clock.



` No. 664,886. Patented 1an. I, |90I.

' G. D. MGMILLAN.

SHIP-BELL CLocK.

(Application led Feb. 8, 1900.)

(No Model.)

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE D. MCMILLAN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y;

SHIP-BELL CLOCK.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 664,886, dated January 1, 1901.

Application tiled February 8, 1900. Serial Nol 4,449. (No modelJ To @ZZ whom it may concern:

Beit known that I, GEORGE D. MGMILLAN, a citizen of the United States, residing in the city of New York, borough of Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and State of New York, have invented a certain new and useful Inn provement in Ship-Bell Olocks, of which the following is a specification.

The invention relates to the striking mechanism, and particularly to the means for producing the silent blow or omission of a stroke in ringing the odd-numbered bells.

In the forms of striking mechanism for ship-bell clocks now commonly known it is the general practice to move the hammershaft and its connections out of the path of the pins on the pin-wheel or other engaging means in effecting the silent blow. The parts are necessarily of considerable weight and require a corresponding expenditure of power to move them.

The object of my invention is to avoid this movement of the hammer and shaft, and thus reduce the work to be performed and lessen theliability of failure by derangement.

The invention consists in introducing into the mechanism a shifting tripper movable into and out of engaging relation to the pin- Wheel and practically independent of the hammer-shaft, but so connected to the latter as to transfer to it the motions received from the wheel, and in means for moving such tripper into and out of operative relation to the Wheel when required, so that on the silent blow the comparatively light tripper is alone moved out of engagement with the pin-wheel and the heavy hammer-shaft and its connections remain stationary and unaffected. 1

The invention also consists in certain details of construction and arrangement of parts, to be hereinafter described.

The accompanying drawings form a part of this speciication and show the invention as I have carried it out.

Figure l is an elevation or View of the rear face of a clock mechanism constructed in accordance with the invention, certain portions being omitted for clearness. Fig. 2 is a corresponding side elevation, and Fig. 3 is a view from above. Fig. 4 is a plan View, partly in horizontal section on alarger scale,

showingthe shifting mechanism alone. Figs. 5, 6, and '7are vertical sections,- partly in elevation, showing certain portions of the shifting mechanism in three positions. Fig. 8 is a face view showing another portion of the tripper mechanism. Fig. 9 is a top or plan view showing certain electrical connections `for actuating bells at a distance. Figs. l0, ll, and 12 show a modified form of the invention. Fig. l0 is aside elevation. Fig. ll is a face view of a portion, partly in vertical section; and Fig. l2 is a vertical section taken on the line 1212 in Fig. l1.

Similar letters of reference indicate like parts in all the figures.

A indicates the framing of the clock-move ment, certain portions being omitted.

A is the casing, and A2 a bell mounted thereon and shown in dotted lines in Fig. l.

B is the barrel for the time-train, B' the center-post, and B2 the hour-hand sleeve, all of which, with the omitted portions of this train, may be understood to be of the usual or any approved construction.

C is the barrel of the striking-train, carrying a gear O', meshing into the pinion D of an intermediate gear D,in mesh with a pinion E and through the latter communicating motion to the pin-wheel EQ equipped with the series of pins E2, through which the hammers are operated, and meshinginto a pinion F, carrying on its shaft the gathering-pallet F2 and locking-wheel F', with its locking-pin F3. From the locking-wheel the train continues, as usual, through the warning-wheel and iiy. (Not shown.)

The mechanism is of the rack-strike type, in which a segmental rack G is engaged and lifted one notch at each revolution of the gathering-pallet F2 and produces a corresponding number of double strokes on the bell. The rack is centered at g and carries an arm G, arranged to contact with the periphery of the snail H, and thus determine the distance to which the rack may descend when released to effect the striking. The

snail-arbor is revolved three times in each twelve hours by an intermediate pinion H2, meshing into a gear-wheel H thereon and also with a pinion B3 on the center-post B', which also carries a cross-arm B4, equipped with the studs B5 B5, arranged to lift an arm IOO BG at each half-hour, and through the connected arm BT engages a pin B2 on the lever B2, which lifts the locking-arm F'l on the shaft ffrom engagement with the locking-pin E2 and releases the striking-train and also moves the arm F5 on the saine shaft out of engagement with the lower end of the rack G and allows the latter to fall 'to a distance governed by the arm G and snail H, as before indicated. 'lhe periphery of the snail is divided into four portions H2 of differing radius, each adapted to permit the rack to drop su'flciently when released to allow the required even number of pins E2 to act on the hammer-shafts to produce the desired number of double strokes or couplets before the gathering-pallet- F2 shall have again lifted the rack to the position shown, in which it is supported by the arm F5 and the lockingwheel again engaged by the arm F4.

Motion is communicated to the hammershaft I by the passage of the pins E2 on the pin-wheel E, lifting the arm I on the arbor t', and by the action of the arm I2 on the same arbor against the projecting pin l2 on the hammer-shaft the latter is partially rotated in opposition to the force of the spring I4 and its hammer I drawn from the bell A2, the blow being delivered at the fall of the arm I from the pin E2. The hammer-shaft J, with its arm J2, spring JL, and hammer J5, is similarly operated, but through the medium of an endwise-movable tripper K, consisting in this lform of an arbor mounted in the framing and adapted to partially rotate and having arms K' K2, corresponding to the arms I and I2 and actuated by the passage of the same pins The arms I' and K are so arranged relatively to the pins that the stroke of the hammer I5 is closely followed by the hammer J5, thus producing the couplet and allowing a longer interval before the next stroke of the hammer I5, as will be understood.

So far as yet described the mechanism would produce even strokes on the bell in couplets, as two, four, six, and eight bells. ln order to produce the odd numbers, the last stroke of the last couplet, if there be more than one, is omitted. This is effected in my improved mechanism by shifting the tripper K so that its arm K at the time of the last stroke shall lie out of the path of the pin E2, and thus escape its action. I will now describe the means Aby which the tripper K is shifted and the above result attained.

H2 H2 are four equidistant cam-surfaces or elevations on the face of the snail H, each serving, as the snail rotates, to pass under and lift a iinger L2, arranged in their path and held normally in contact with the plain face of the snail. The linger projects inwardly from the end of the arm L of a horizontallyswinging lever L L2, mounted on the sleeve L, supported on a stud A3 in a bracket A4, fixed to the framework of the clock. The other arm L2 carries a block L4, impinging against the outward end of an arbor M, free to be moved endwise by the tilting of the lever L L2 against the forceof a spring M', tending to hold the arbor M normally in the outward position. The arbor M is also free to partially rotate in opposition to the spiral spring il' 5 and Aliiied stop MG and carries two oppositely-extending arms M2 and M, the former lying alongside but separated from the lower end of the rack G and the other carrying at its outward extremity a cam-surface M4, partially covering the end K3 of the tripper or arbor K, above described. The tripper is subject to the force of a spring K4, tending to protrude the end K5 through the frameplate and hold the arm K normally in the path of the pins E2. rlhe lower end of the rack G carries an outwardly-projecting pin G2, which when the parts are in the position shown in strong lines in Fig. at passes the arm M2 without lifting it; but when the finger L2 is lifted by one of the elevations H2 on the snail and the two-armed lever L L2 is correspondingly tilted the arbor M, with its arms M2 M3, is forced inward, as shown by the dotted lines in the same figure, and then lies in the path of the pin G2. Thus conditioned the arm M3 lies at the same time with its camsurface M4 nearly in contact with the protruding end of the tripper K, and as the rack is lifted by the last turn of the gathering-pallet to the point at which the last bell-stroke will be delivered the pin G2 lifts the arm M2, correspondingly depressing the irm M2, and the cam-surface M4 is swept over the protruding end of the tripper, and the latter is forced inward sufficiently to carry the arm K out of the path of the pinsE2 on the pin-wheel, and the pin which otherwise would produce the last stroke passes idly and the stroke is omitted. The arms F'1 and F5 then fall into their places and hold the striking mechanism until again released by the time-train, at which time the elevation H2 will have passed and the finger L3 be in contact with the plain face of the snail. In this condition the even couplets will be struck.

IG JG are arms of hard rubber orotherinsulating material secured to the vertical shafts L and J and serving to bring together the contact-points U U' and U2 U2, supported on an insulating-block U, attached to the framing at any convenient point, and thus completing the circuit through the wires U3 U2, battery U4, and series of electric bells U2, whereby the latter will be sounded to correspond to the strokes on the bell A2 and located at any desired points more or less remote from the clock.

Figs. l0, 11, and l2 show a modiiicd form of the invention, which may be preferred in some constructions. In this form the hammershafts lie horizontally and the hammers instead oi' swinging in a horizontal plane move in a vertical arc. The shifting is performed in the same general manner as before, but instead of a tripper in the form of an arbor, as

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ceases above described, it is in these iigu res in the form of a sleeve K5, inclosing the hammershaft N and protruding` through'the plate and acted upon by a forked cam-surface M7, partially inclosingthe hammer-shaft. The sleeve is movable endwise on the shaft by means of apin N engaging a longitudinal slot m, which also compels the shaft to partake in any partial revolution. The sleeve carries an arm M8, correspondingI to the arm K in the form rst described and acted upon in the same manner by the pin-wheel E. rPhe cam-surface M' is operated as before and forces back the sleeve against the resistance of the helical spring M9, carrying the arm M8 out of the path of the pins E2 and omitting that stroke, as before. The pin N also engz'iges in a slot on the opposite side of the sleeve and extends radially sufficiently to receive a spi-ing N2, by which the blows of the hammer are delivered, and also to lie against the stud A5, serving as a stop. The mechanism for moving the canisurface MT is in .all respects similar to that first described and need not be particularly illustrated and is therefore omitted from the figu res,as is also the companion hammer-shaft corresponding to the shaft I.

In addition tothe features before set forth the improved mechanism allows a further important advantage to be attained, which is the avoidance ofthe large openings in the clockcase-usually required to permit the hammerblows to be delivered. It will be observed that in both the forms shown only sufficient openings are needed to allow the hammershafts to protrude. Thus the entrance of dust is largely prevented. The openings may, if preferred, be further protected by slight rings or collars of felt encircling the shaft and lying upon the casing.

Further modifications may be made in the formsand proportions within wide limits without departing from the principle of the invention or sacrificing its advantages.

The electric connections shown may be omitted or varied to suit the conditions under which they may be called upon to serve.

It will be understood that the portions of the clock mechanism not shown or described may be of the ordinary or any approved type. I have here shown the barrels for the time and striking trains as of the right and left wind form operated by the same Windingpost; but the barrels maybe on independent posts.

I claiml. In a ship-bell clock, a time-train, a striking-train, and a hammer-shaft and hammer thereon independent of said striking-train, in combination with a tripperlocated between said hammer-shaft and striking-train and free io be moved endwise into and out of operative relation with the latter, adapted when in such operative relation with said strikingtrain to communicate motion therefrom and actuate said hammer-shaft, and means controlled by said time-train for imparting such endwise movement at the required intervals, all substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth.

2. In a ship-bell clock, a time-train and a snail moved thereby, a stri king-traiii and its pin-wheel, and a pair of hammer-shafts and their hammers, in combination with a tripper located between said pin-wheel and one of said hammer-shafts and free to move endWise into and out of operative relation with said pin-wheel, adapted when in suoli operative relation with said pin-wheel to communicate motion therefrom and actuate one of said hammer-shafts, and means controlled by said snail for imparting such endwise movement at the required intervals, all substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth.

In a ship-bell clock,.a time-train, a snail moved thereby and having elevations upon its face, a striking-train having a pin-wheel and gathering-pallet, and a rack operated by the latter, in combination With a pair of ham` mer-shafts and hammers, a tripper connected to one of said shafts but free to move endwise and having an arm acted upon by said pinwheel, a cam-lever adapted to produce suoli endwise movement, a lever actuated by the elevations on said snail and adapted to force said cam-lever into operative relation to said tripper, and a pin on said rack adapted to operate said cani-lever and move said tripper to free its arm from said pin-Wlieel, all substantially as herein specied.

e. In a clock mechanism of the character set forth, a hanimer-shaft and its hammer, a tripper connected to said shaft but free to move end wise, a time-train, the snail I-I moved thereby and having the elevations II2 upon its face, the rack G and means operated by said time-train for allowing it to fall, the arm G on said rack controlling the extent of such descent, the lever Ii L2 and finger L3 thereon arranged in the path of said elevations, the arbor M, arm M2 and cani-lever M3 thereon, adapted to be moved by said lever into operative relation to said tripper, and the pin G2 on said rack arranged to engage said arm and through said cam-lever produce the endwise movement of said tripper, ail combined and arranged to serve substantially as herein specified.

5. A striking-train and its rack Gr and gathering-pallet F2 therefor, a time-train, a hammer-shaft and ham mer actuated by said striking-train, the snail II moved by the timetrain, the elevations II2 on the face of said snail and the surfaces H3 on its periphery, in combination with the arm G serving with said surfaces to determine the fall of said rack, and the lever L, L2 and iinger L3 thereon arranged in the path of said elevations, and means operated by said lever whereby the blows of said hammer are interrupted, all adapted to serve in a ship-bell clock substantially as herein set forth.

6. In a clock mechanism of the character set forth, a striking-train and its hammer, a

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time-train, the Snail H moved thereby and having` the elevations H2 upon its face, the rack G and means operated by said ti ine-train for allowing' it to fall, the arm G on said raek controlling sueh descent., the lever L L2 and finger L3 thereon arranged in the path of Said elevations, the arbor M, arm M2 and Cam-lever MS thereon adapted to be moved by said lever, the pin G2 on said raek arranged to engage said arm and tilt said cam-lever, and means actuated by the latter for interrupting the blows of said hammer, all combined and ai ranged to serve substantially as herein speciiied.

7. In a eloek mechanism of the Character Set forth, a Striking-train having a pin-wheel, a time-train Controlling the striking-train, the movable tripper K having an arm K/ arsegeee ranged to be struck by the pins on said pin wheel, and an arm K2, in combination with a ham mer-shaft J arranged at a right angle to said tripper, the hammer J5 and arm J3 on said hammer-shaft, the said arm J3 adapted to be struek by said arm K2 and thereby swing said hammer, and means controlled by Said time-train for moving said tripper out of engagement with said pin-Wheel when required, all substantially as herein shown and described.

In testimony that I claim the invention above set forth affix my signature in presenee of two witnesses.

GEO. D. MOMILLAN.

Witnesses:

C. A. HAUCK, CHARLES R. SEARLE. 

